Forum on Proposed Sports Complex Set

A public forum to review plans for The Oasis Events Center, a private $89 million sports complex proposed at Cal State Northridge’s North Campus, will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in the university’s performing arts center.

Mark Steele, president of the development firm, has received a lukewarm response from Northridge because the university is moving ahead with plans for a biotechnical complex at North Campus.

COMMITMENTS

Ivy Leaguer: Alex Perez of El Camino Real, a tight end and linebacker for the Conquistadores’ City Section 3-A Division championship football team and City champion wrestler at 215 pounds, will attend Columbia in the fall..

Future Matador: Derek Brown of Highland High, the Times’ All-Valley kicker, has accepted a football scholarship to Cal State Northridge. He is the first San Fernando Valley-area prep player to commit to new Matador Coach Ron Ponciano.

HONORS

State scholar: Ester Gurrola of Fillmore on Monday became the first student-athlete from a Ventura County high school to be named a state Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Gurrola--along with Jeffrey Hick of Laguna Hills--was chosen from 130 state finalists. She will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Gurrola, who plans to major in biochemical engineering and has been accepted by Pepperdine, has competed in volleyball, basketball and softball.